Former Congressman Allen West | Mike Ritland Podcast Episode 114

About this video

Former Congressman and Lieutenant Colonel Allen West recounts his early observations of East Germany while serving as a paratrooper and draws parallels to concerning trends he sees in America today. West discusses his shock at the dishonesty he encountered in Congress, his belief in term limits, and his frustration that leaders prioritize special interests over the nation. He reflects on his upbringing in 1960s Atlanta with two parents who instilled discipline and honor, and contrasts that with the collapse of the two-parent black family structure—from 75-77% in 1961 to only 24% today—which he attributes to Great Society welfare policies that incentivized fatherless homes.

Key takeaways

• West argues that the most surprising aspect of Congress was widespread lying and the prioritization of self-interest over national interest, in sharp contrast to the military culture of honor and integrity he came from.
• West advocates for 12-year term limits in both the House and Senate (non-transferable between chambers) to prevent elected officials from viewing their positions as personal rather than public service.
• West attributes the collapse of the two-parent black family—from 75-77% intact in 1961 to 24% today—to Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society policies that provided welfare benefits only to women without working men in the home.

Episode details: published October 9, 2022 · 17.4K views · 1:27:06 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Stories told by Mike Ritland’s podcast guests are the guests’ own accounts, attributed to them — not independently verified. Commentary is Ritland’s, presented as his analysis.

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